[RedHead]

Originally Posted by AbsurdJinx

Quillpaw looked at the handsome russet-colored tomcat with excitement. Awesome! He thought, relishing the fact that he would spend his first time out in the territory with Spicepaw. Then he realized... Spicepaw was such a long name, and it would take up much of the two apprentices' time. Therefor, Spicepaw would become Spicey. He flashed his new friend a bright grin, preforming a small, kit-like jump of restlessness. Quillpaw released an excited laugh, wondering when he'd get to hear Spicey laugh again.

``Yes!`` Quillpaw cheered in a light tone, his bushy tail wildly waving behind him as it posed in the air. ``Let's go explore!`` Once again, just in an attempt to rid himself of some energy, he jumped, which moved him slightly closer to the older apprentice. And then, as if he knew where he were going, Quillpaw, with a soft chuckle, lead Spicey further away from the rushing river. His tail continued to wave cheerfully, and that foolish grin remained on his face. He had his eyes closed, and he walked with such confidence, anyone would believe Quillpaw knew the territory like the back of his paw. Unfortunately, the younger apprentice knew nothing of the terrain around him. His forepaw slipped beneath an unfairly-placed root, and when he went to place his next step, he found himself racing towards the ground.

With a shriek of shock, Quillpaw's body sped to the surface. His screech was cut off by a grunt, brought on by the impact of his chest hitting the ground. His forepaws were stretched beneath him, almost like he was reaching for his toes. Meanwhile, his hind legs were sprawled behind him, as if they had just preformed a crazy dance and had collapsed in exhaustion, too tired to care about how they appeared. His neck was stretched out, his chin simply lying against the rough ground. And his tail lied between his legs, pointing straight ahead, the tip moving slowly. Instead of wailing in pain, Quillpaw burst out laughing, pulling his forepaws from beneath him until they rest at either side of his head. His flanks rose and fell with every breathy chuckle.

Deciding to make the best of the situation, Quillpaw called out to Spicey. He refused to allow himself to feel embarrassment, so he hid his shame beneath amusement. ``Spicey!`` Quillpaw cried, his tone laced with laughter. ``Help! I've fallen...`` Laugh. ``And I can't get up!`` Laugh.

Spicepaw still couldn't understand how one cat could be so happy. Even with the fact that the two apprentices were in no dangerous situation, his companion still seemed like he would just smile and laugh in danger's face. Not in a brave way, though no offense to the multi-colored tom, but more in a way like he didn't understand the danger. That's what Spicepaw felt like Quillpaw would do. So, as Quillpaw turned to head into the territory, the russet tomcats ears perked in surprise. He's acting like he knows the territory, inside and out! Spicepaw quickly got to his paws and rushed to catch up with Quillpaw, his paws slipping slightly in the mud that was close to the bank of the river. He was able to keep his balance, but he carefully padded after his fellow apprentice.

Upon spotting the root in Quillpaw's path, Spicepaw called out to him. "Hey, there's a root! W-" His sentence was cut short as a shriek erupted from Quillpaw, then there was a "thud" as he hit the ground. Spicepaw winced, flattening his ears a little. "Watch out." He finished, but his voice was quiet, knowing his warning would do no good now. He waited for the tom to start moaning in pain, or even worse, start crying. With how young he still was, just barely out of the nursery, Spicepaw supposed a fall like this would injure him greatly. He stood behind the tom, debating whether or not to go ask if he was okay. The tomcat wasn't good at dealing with injuries or sad and hurt cats, he didn't know how to comfort them. That was more of his sister Cricketpaw's job.

When the sound of laughter could be heard, Spicepaw's ears perked up in confusion. Is he laughing about the fact that he just got hurt? Respect for Quillpaw instantly flooded into Spicepaw. He knew most cats that were Quillpaw's age would probably complain, or worse, cry about it. But Quillpaw was simply laughing, no complaining word exiting his mouth. Spicepaw visibly let out a sigh of relief. He was dealing with so much right now, he didn't need another bad thing to be added to his life.

Spicepaw then realized he should probably be helping Quillpaw to his paws. He padded towards him, but then stopped at the sound of his voice. Wait, did he just call me "Spicey?" The russet apprentice had never been given a nickname before. Sure, some of his family members called him Spice from time to time, but Spicey? That was a whole new level of naming. But, as he thought about it, the ton realized he didn't mind it too much. Especially coming from Quillpaw, Spicepaw thought it was cute. He finished walking up to Quillpaw, looking down at him and smirking a little. "Maybe you shouldn't of been in such a rush. Sightseeing takes patience you know." He meowed, amusement lacing his words. He then placed his shoulder against Quillpaw's to help him up. But as he did it, Spicepaw couldn't help but admire the softness of the other tom's fur. And the colorin, closer up. Spicepaw was slightly jealous of Quillpaw's pelt. He had always wished he had a fluffy pelt, but he was stuck with a short one. Although his fur was smooth and silky, he'd rest her have a soft, poofy pelt.

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

Padding through the territory always gave Jasperpelt time to think. Time to reflect, and time to wonder. That might be one of the reasons that he loved the place so much, because he could get away. And Jasperpelt, as it was known, loved his alone time. Oh of course, others were constantly around... and he loved his time with friends, and meeting new friends, as well. But every once in a while it was nice to get out alone. Breathing in the fresh, if not somewhat humid air of the territory, the tom wasn't exactly looking where he was going. He had never been "coordinated" anyways. And of course, what should he do but walk straight into Shellfeather. Jasperpelt thought he recognized the cat... but it was like looking at a ghost, like someone he either hadn't seen in moons or had only seen in a faraway dream. Staring for a moment, the tom realized he still hadn't backed up. And that made for an awkward encounter. "I'm so - I'm so sorry, I... I didn't, um... I didn't mean to - to bump into you, h - ha..." The awkward laugh at the end didn't make it any better. He thought it might lighten tension, but the fact that his voice still felt awkward and shaky didn't help. It was as though he were either a young warrior or an older apprentice talking to his crush all over again - except, that wasn't the case. He wasn't one to fall too quickly. And especially not that quickly.
(@RedHead)

Shellfeather had been just calmly sitting by a small stream running through Riverclan territory, thinking about her current situation right now. Each breath was shaky as she let it out, she was weak from trying to hold in her emotions. She had come out here to calm herself down, to give herself positive self-talk. But negative thoughts kept plaguing her weakened mind, pushing her closer and closer to breaking down. She already was on the verge of tears, and she could handle only so little more before she broke.

When she heard the crack of a twig and rustle of the reeds behind her, the white-furred molly turned to look at who it was, her gray ears perking up slightly. Hope blazed in her chest. Maybe it was Russetstar coming to apologize. Maybe it was Scorchingflame. Shellfeather wanted it to be Scorchingflame. She missed her best friend so much, so much that it hurt more than anything she was going through right now. But as she took in the scary, disappointment sliced through heras it was not recognizable. Yes, it was a Riverclan scent, but no, it wasn't Scorchingflame's. As a dark-furred warrior padded out of the reeds, Shellfeather watched him, and he seemed to be advancing on her, he was coming closer and closer. She backed up a little, wondering why he wasn't stopping. He ended up pressed against her, and Shellfeather stood there, fur on end. She stared back at him, and thankfully soon enough he backed up. Shellfeatger let out a small sigh of relief, and forced a small smile when he apologized. She didn't want to be rude to anyone just because she was dealing with her own problems. "Oh don't worry, it's completely fine." She meowed, her voice strained with sadness that she tried to hide.